2008 Dodge Challenger: Tester's Comments
2008 Dodge Challenger ▼
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- MSRP: $37,320 -
- Invoice: $34,803 -
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2008 Dodge Challenger. See if the 2008 Dodge Challenger is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | SRT8 |
| Arrival Date: | 07/15/2008 |
| Engine: | ohv V8 |
| Bodystyle | 2-door coupe |
| Transmission: | 5-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 37,320 |
| Price as Tested: | 41,310 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 5885 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 7545 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 1660 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 37.704 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 16.79 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Power Sunroof, MyGig Multimedia System with GPS Navigation (also includes hard drive, real-time traffic monitoring, and digital media player), High-performance tires (245/45ZR20 front and 255/45ZR20 rear)
From the Back Seat
Damon Bell
Dodge designers did a tremendous job of capturing the visual essence of the iconic 1970 Challenger in this reborn '08 edition, especially considering the unavoidable constraints of modern safety and ergonomic requirements and the necessity of using an existing vehicle platform. Bummer that the large proportions of that existing vehicle platform (it's a shortened version of Chrysler's LX chassis, which also hosts the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger) make for a decidedly "plus-size" ponycar. Its considerable size and heft make the Challenger feel less nimble than other sporty performance cars, but shoppers enamored with its retro looks probably won't mind. For Chrysler's sake, I hope that there are enough of those shoppers around.
Don Sikora
After about 100 highway miles in the 2008 Challenger SRT8, I'm a little surprised that the car is quite different than what I expected. It is much bigger and so much more refined than a Mustang that I'm not really sure they are even all that comparable. Dodge did a fine job meshing the 1970 Challenger styling cues onto the basic Chrysler 300 platform, but to me the result seems more fast, bold GT than muscular pony car.
Ed Piotrowski
Dodge has done a credible job of capturing the look of its iconic 1970 muscle car, while making Challenger a remarkably refined vehicle to drive every day. Therein lies the problem--it's too refined. Driving Challenger feels little different than driving any of Chrysler LLC's other SRT8 products, the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Those vehicles are far more practical, not to mention more easily acquired, and certainly without any sort of dealer markup over the MSRP. If you absolutely must have a Challenger, wait for the 2009 models to make their way to dealers. That way, you'll have a choice of powertrains and, more importantly, the option of getting one with a manual transmission.
Jack Stewart
Challenger is big for a sport coupe. While this hurts agility it is good for interior room and practicality. Judging by street reaction, Challenger's retro looks should make it a hit in spite of gas prices.
John Biel
Fully loaded (as the vehicle tested was) and loaded for bear with the 6.1-liter Hemi engine, the 2008 Challenger isn't cheap to buy or run. But the SRT8 is the attention-getting full-out enthusiast model, and affordability won't slow down many of those folks. Though we doubt many of these first-year Challengers will be daily drivers, their rear-seat room and trunk space make them a bit more practical as transportation than do some other GTs and "ponycars."
Rick Cotta
High gas prices have rendered the Challenger an expensive anachronism, but there's a lot to be said for it as a special-occasion/weekend car. Under most driving conditions, it's comfortable and almost too serene, and will happily accommodate a couple's luggage and even rear passengers, though the latter may not feel entirely welcome. But Challenger won't really hit its stride until the '09s appear, which are due to offer a wider choice of engines and, thank goodness, a manual transmission, which the SRT8 sorely needs--if for no other reason than that an automatic is simply sacrilegious in such an iconic performance car.
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